Young entrepreneurs wrap up a successful summer with the 2026 Summer Company program
Kawartha Lakes - The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) is celebrating another successful year of the Summer Company program. Six outstanding young entrepreneurs spent the summer building businesses, serving customers, and gaining valuable real-world experience.
Delivered by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Summer Company supports aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29. Participants receive business training, one-on-one mentorship, and grant funding of up to $3,000 to help launch and operate their summer businesses.
This year's participants represented a wide range of industries. They demonstrated creativity, determination, and the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to grow across Kawartha Lakes.
2026 Summer Company entrepreneurs
- Ayva Callieu – Game On Event Rentals: Provides oversized lawn games for weddings, community events, birthdays, schools, and corporate functions.
- Emily Durley – Essential Equine: Professional horse show preparation services, including grooming, clipping, braiding, bathing, and tack cleaning.
- Teddy Haber – Haber Handyman and Hauling: Provides handyman services and hauling solutions to residents throughout the community.
- Kendra Korpela – KissaMoon: A specialty pop-up retail shop featuring Finnish candy, gifts, and Nordic-inspired products.
- Teagan MacIntosh – Scrum Queen Athletics: Women's rugby apparel that celebrates and supports female athletes.
- Caden Parker – Caden's Professional Mobile Detailing: Premium mobile interior and exterior vehicle detailing services.
Throughout the summer, participants learned how to market their businesses and manage their finances. They also built customer relationships and solved real-world business challenges. These experiences helped them develop skills and confidence that will continue to benefit them beyond the program.
“The enthusiasm, innovation, and determination shown by this year's participants has been exceptional,” said Sandy Greenberg, Economic Development Officer with the City of Kawartha Lakes. “These young entrepreneurs have demonstrated that with the right support, mentorship, and dedication, great business ideas can become successful ventures.”
KLSBC extends its sincere thanks to local businesses, community partners, families, and customers who supported this year's entrepreneurs. Their encouragement helped these young business owners make the most of their summer.
Looking ahead to 2027
Applications for the 2027 Summer Company program will open in January 2027.
Students interested in starting their own business are encouraged to contact KLSBC to learn more about the program. Information about other entrepreneurial resources is also available throughout the year.
For more information about the Summer Company, visit the Summer Company program webpage or email Sandy Greenberg at sgreenberg@kawarthalakes.ca.
About the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) is a program of the City of Kawartha Lakes. KLSBC provides no-cost, confidential, and customized advisory services to entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. Whether you are launching a new business or looking to grow an existing business, KLSBC is a first stop for advice, resources, and support.
For more information, visit the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre webpage or contact Christine McLean at cmclean@kawarthalakes.ca.
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